NZ Engine

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

More than 200 of the region’s finest wines were sampled in an intense two-day judging process at EIT ahead of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards.

Judging for the country’s longest running regional competition took place on the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale last week (September 23-24), with the awards dinner to be held on October 22.

EIT’s School of Viticulture and Wine Science staff and students once again played a central role in stewarding the process and ensuring anonymity by carefully sorting and pouring each glass before it reached the judging table.

Lecturer Tim Creagh said hosting the judging was an important opportunity for students to experience the professionalism and rigour of a major wine competition.

“Wine shows are hugely important. Consumers will buy wine based on the results, so people trust the process. Having it here, with students involved, gives them invaluable insight into the industry and what’s expected at the highest level,” he said.

Among the stewards this year were first-year degree students Jenna Taffard and Jingyi Zhang, who both took on the role of panel leaders, ensuring judges received each flight of wines correctly and on time.

The judging panels were led by Chief Winemaker at Poulter Family Wines, Nick Picone, who served as Chair of Judges. He said the experience was both an honour and a privilege.

“This is a region I know well and feel very passionate about. Coming back to EIT in this role is a little surreal, because it was one of my first steps into the industry as a student here back in the 1990s. To return as Chair of Judges feels like a full-circle moment,” Nick said.

He added that the awards play a critical role in benchmarking Hawke’s Bay wines against the best.

“It’s a really rigorous process. Wines are tasted blind, discussed at length in panels, and put back through recall before we award gold medals. That makes sure the results are credible and meaningful for both producers and consumers.”

For students, the event also opens doors into wine judging itself. Last year’s A&P Young Vintners Scholarship winner, Tammy Madigan, took part as an associate judge, sitting alongside senior judges to taste, score and debate wines.

“It’s been amazing to try so many wines side by side and hear what experienced judges are looking for. I’ve learned a lot about how the whole process works, and it’s definitely something I’d like to keep doing,” she said.

Tim said the chance to step into associate roles, and eventually progress to full judging, was highly valuable.

“For students it can be the beginning of their pathway into judging. You start as a steward, move into an associate role, and one day you may become a senior judge. It’s exciting to see that cycle start right here at EIT.”

Head of School, Viticulture and Wine Science, Sue Blackmore, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome the Bayleys A&P Wine judging back to EIT after the disruption from Cyclone Gabrielle”.

“The team have still been assisting at other venues but to have the judging team back on EIT campus is very special.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the introduction of peer support workers in North Shore Hospital’s Emergency Department, completing the rollout of the service across all three major Auckland hospitals.

“With North Shore now on board, it’s great to see the whole Auckland region benefitting from peer support in EDs. This is about making sure people in mental distress have the right support at the right time,” Mr Doocey says.

“For anyone in mental health crisis, arriving at a busy emergency department can be overwhelming. Having a peer support specialist there, someone with lived experience who understands what they’re going through can bring real comfort and hope.”

Mr Doocey says the service is already making a meaningful impact around the country.

“People tell us they feel listened to, supported, and more connected to support because of this service. That’s why we’re moving quickly to expand it nationwide.

“Peer support specialists are available to listen, share their experience, and reassure people there is a way forward. They can also link people to community mental health services where needed, helping to set them up for better outcomes once they leave hospital.

“As New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, I want to see us make better use of the expertise and empathy peer support workers bring. We’re embedding this workforce not only in EDs but also in new crisis cafés opening around the country, and in our refreshed eating disorders strategy.

“Peer support workers are a part of our mental health plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.

“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says overseas investment decisions being made more than twice as fast is a vital ingredient for businesses seeking capital to create jobs and pay higher wages.

“New Zealanders are paying the price for having one of the most restrictive overseas investment laws in the developed world – it’s resulted in less growth, fewer jobs, lower productivity, and stagnant wages”, says Mr Seymour.

“We’re fixing that by changing the Overseas Investment Act and making sure businesses can get quicker access to desperately needed capital.

“Last year I issued a Ministerial directive letter setting out my expectations for faster consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act. The letter set my expectation that LINZ, the regulator for the Act, will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions.”

In the 12 months to 31 August:

LINZ has processed almost 87 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe
Processing times are 62 per cent faster than in financial year 2024. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days to less than 27 working days.

“The improvements to processing times are largely owed to the new risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently,” says Mr Seymour.

“By making an important government service more efficient, we’re getting better outcomes for New Zealanders.

“Also in the 12 months to 31 August, there were 131 applications for overseas investment, up from 122 between 1 July 2024 to 19 June 2025 (both figures exclude ‘only home to live in’ applications). 

“Long waiting times for applications create uncertainty and reduce the attractiveness of investing in New Zealand. This impacts the New Zealand businesses that rely on overseas investment for capital.

“Since delegating most decision-making to LINZ and directing officials to focus on realising the benefits of overseas investment, there has been a significant improvement in processing times.

“Feedback from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have welcomed the changes to make the application process more efficient, while still giving the right level of scrutiny to high-risk transactions.

“LINZ still has the full statutory timeframe to process 20 per cent of consent applications, which will allow them to manage complex and higher-risk applications.

“The Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, currently at select committee, will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction.”

The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.

“For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.”

Source: New Zealand Government

More than 65 new social homes will be delivered in Canterbury by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Our Government backs social housing, and we’re determined to deliver it better. That means building the right homes, in the right places, with the right support, for the people most in need,” Mr Bishop says.

“Across New Zealand, CHPs and Kāinga Ora have delivered over 6,800 net new social homes since November 2023, with 837 of those places being in Canterbury.

“On top of that, the Government has committed funding for more than 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs over the next two years. Canterbury is one of the regions benefiting from this pipeline.”

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated social homes based on regional need, which has been assessed using a range of factors including the housing register and emergency housing use. 

“In Canterbury, the CHP projects are expected to deliver:

• At least 65 new social homes through CHPs including Christchurch Methodist Mission and Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
• Homes located in suburbs including Lyttelton, Linwood, Merivale and Somerfield
• More than 80 percent of these homes will be one- and two-bedroom units, which will help address the greatest gap in social housing supply in Canterbury 

“Half of those waiting for a home nationally need a one-bedroom property, yet only 12 percent of Kāinga Ora’s stock meets that need. In Canterbury, 88 per cent of the housing register demand is for one- and two-bedroom places so these new homes will make a real difference,” Mr Bishop says.

“Every set of keys handed over is another person or family in a warm, dry social home. We’re focused not just on delivering more homes, but on delivering the right homes that match the needs of people and communities.

“The Government’s wider reset of the social housing system is already showing results. Recently the Community Housing Funding Agency achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global, and just yesterday we announced the introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme, reducing borrowing costs for CHPs and enabling them to deliver more homes.

“We’re simplifying the funding system so providers can get on with building homes, instead of navigating a confusing web of overlapping funds. These Canterbury projects are a good example of the progress being made.”

Four of the homes have already been delivered by the Christchurch Methodist Mission, and over 60 others will be delivered from early 2026 by Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust working in conjunction with construction partners of their choice.   

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that increased efficiency for passport processing has resulted in an 18-day improvement to wait times compared to when Labour was last in Government.  

“This represents a dramatic improvement in passport processing efficiency with New Zealanders now receiving their passports three times faster than in October 2023,” says Ms van Velden.  

“Standard passport applications that previously took 25 days are now processed in just 7 days. 

“We are fixing what matters to Kiwis and their families. This enhanced efficiency demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering better value and service to New Zealanders. 

“Currently, 99.5 per cent of all passport applications are processed within 10 working days from receipt of a completed and correct application. 

“I am proud to see the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] consistently answering the call to boost efficiency and bring tangible benefits to Kiwis with the services it provides,” says Ms van Velden. 

Improvements to processing times have been driven by internal processing changes, including a shift to more digital rather than paper-based application pathways, cross skilling of passport and citizenship processing staff and automating identity proofing services.  

“These improvements come at a crucial time, as the Department expects passport application volumes to increase from December onwards when the first 10-year passports begin to expire, and I have asked the Department to find even further efficiencies. 

“New Zealanders can now plan their travel with confidence, knowing their passport will arrive when they need it,” says Ms van Velden.  

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Sir John Kirwan today launched Ask Groov, Health New Zealand’s first endorsed AI powered wellbeing guide for adults.

“Access to mental health support should never be a barrier. With Ask Groov, faster access to support is available 24/7, when and where people need it,” Mr Doocey says.

“With this launch, we’re taking a significant step forward in making mental health support more accessible, practical, and personalised, helping New Zealanders take control of their own wellbeing.

“The Government’s mental health plan focuses on faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response. Innovative tools like Ask Groov gives Kiwis faster access to support and allows us to get in early, preventing problems from escalating.

“The Ask Groov tool is designed to complement, not replace, the care provided by trained professionals. It helps people with mild to moderate needs manage everyday challenges such as stress, sleep issues, or relationship pressures before they escalate.

“Tools like Ask Groov equip people with practical strategies they can use to get through difficult times. By integrating innovative technology with expert clinical guidance, we are building a stronger mental health support system that reaches more people, faster.

“It’s especially great to be here today with Sir John Kirwan, who co-founded Groov alongside Adam Clark. John has been instrumental in breaking down stigma and supporting better mental health across the country.”

Sir John Kirwan highlighted to Minister Doocey that Ask Groov provides people with a safe space to ask their own questions in their own words and receive trusted, science-backed answers. He also notes that the tool has been specifically designed for Kiwis, with content that is reliable, evidence-based, and focused on wellbeing. He passed on this is the kind of support he wishes had been available when he was struggling.

“The tool has been deliberately designed with safety at its core. Ask Groov uses advanced AI techniques to ensure advice comes from information developed or approved by Groov’s clinical experts, so guidance is always safe. If a user needs more support, the tool automatically escalates them to human services such as 1737,” Mr Doocey says.

“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Inspector Lincoln Sycamore:

Police will have a visible presence across Hawke’s Bay today as a gang tangi travels from Napier to Waipukurau.

A large number of gang members and associates are expected to be in town for the tangi, and Police will have additional resources available to provide support to staff.

We are mindful of providing a space for whānau and friends to grieve peacefully while balancing the safety of the community.

Police have been in contact with local gang leaders to outline our expectations, including around the wearing or displaying of gang insignia in a public place, which Police will act upon.

Our focus is on the safety of everyone. We will not tolerate behaviour that aims to threaten or intimidate, and officers will be working to reduce disruption to the public.

Police will have additional patrols in place, including on the roads over the coming days. Even if we can’t take enforcement action on the day, staff will follow up on reports of illegal activity.

We urge anyone who witnesses illegal behaviour to call 111 immediately. If you are reporting matters after the fact, please make a report online or call 105.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is exploring ways to free up capital locked in its investment in Chorus, to redirect into capital projects of more use to New Zealanders.

National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFFCo) will investigate the feasibility of selling the debt and equity securities it holds in Chorus.

These debt and equity securities were purchased as the Crown’s funding contribution to the delivery of the Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative, that was completed in 2022. 

Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says that with the completion of the Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative there is no longer a policy reason for the Crown to own these securities.

“Most New Zealanders were probably not aware the Government owns this investment in Chorus, nor feels any particular benefit from it.

“That’s why it is sensible and prudent to consider the feasibility of divestment to redirect the Government’s capital stored in Chorus into investments that New Zealanders can benefit from.

“The Government is continuously identifying opportunities to support its fiscal strategy and to drive economic growth. Early monetisation of NIFFCo’s Chorus securities is one opportunity that is worth exploring.”

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says he has asked NIFFCo to explore the feasibility of selling the securities to private investors in early 2026, rather than waiting another five to ten years for the securities to mature. This process will be done with oversight from the Treasury.

“If such a sale gains approval and goes ahead, the proceeds would return to the Crown and the cash would be made available for capital allocations – that’s hospitals, schools, and roads – in Budget 2026.

“That means Kiwis reaping the benefits of jobs, infrastructure and growth sooner.”

NIFFCo’s programme of work will include due diligence of the contractual terms of the securities, commercial valuation, testing of market appetite, and advice on an optimal sales process. 

It’s expected advice on whether to proceed with the sale to go to the NIFFCo board and shareholding ministers by the end of 2025.

Ministers require that for any sale to gain approval, the decision to go to market – and the final sale price – will meet value-for-money expectations.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 9 October 2025

Vocational education and training (VET) in New Zealand is changing. You’ll find regular updates on these changes here.

VET remains an important part of our education and training environment with over 250,000 people participating, whether at a polytechnic or in work-based learning. You’ll find the links to our regular updates below.
Sign up for updates on vocational education and training.
Updates

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 9 October 2025

The Minister of Education, Minister for Vocational Education and Minister for Universities have issued the 2026 funding determinations.

These funding determinations will come into effect from 1 January 2026. Changes arising from the determinations will be reflected in the 2026 Funding Conditions Catalogue, which will be published in November.
General changes across funding determinations

Included an alternative clause for organisations eligible for funding (ie, polytechnics and Industry Skills Boards), noting that this alternative will come into effect if the Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill is enacted before 1 January 2026.
Made minor and technical updates, including:

updates to terminology and standardisation of terms used
minor corrections to align with current policy and practice
clarifying existing clauses or adding detail to clarify policy intent, and
improving the consistency of similar clauses across different determinations.

Funding determinations and changes
Adult and Community Education (ACE)

Updated funding rates.
Clarified that there is a six-hour minimum requirement for ACE provision in state schools, state integrated schools and charter schools.
Added a new clause allowing synchronous online delivery where this is in the best interest of the learner/s.
Added “enabling access to education and the TEO’s capability to deliver effectively” as a consideration for online synchronous delivery.
Clarified that TEC approvals for asynchronous delivery are valid for multiple years unless revoked.
Added the ability for the TEC to revoke approval for asynchronous delivery.

Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the NZQCF

Updated funding rates.
Clarified that programmes may be delivered asynchronously, with prior written approval from the TEC.
Added a clause to allow overseas learners to be funded if “the learner is studying in a Realm country (namely, Tokelau, the Cook Islands, or Niue) in 2026 and is enrolled in a programme that was funded under this funding mechanism in 2025 or earlier”.

Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF and all industry training

Updated funding rates.
Updated the definition of one EFTS unit for work-based learning.
Removed clauses relating to Standard Training Measure (STM).
Replaced reference to “Funded STMs” with “Funded EFTS” next to the funding formula.
Aligned fund purpose with other delivery funding determinations (no policy change is intended).
Clarified requirement to embed literacy and numeracy as part of work-based mode delivery at Level 3.
Simplified references to priorities and expectations for Learner Component funding.
Within the Learner Component, removed Māori and Pacific learners as an eligible learner category, in accordance with a Cabinet decision to “remove Māori and Pacific learners as a category for Learner Component funding and reinvest this funding into provider-based delivery funding rates” [CAB-25-MIN-0085.01].
Removed paragraphs relating to specific performance expectations for Learner Component funding.
Removed references to the “work-based: pathway to work” mode of delivery.
Removed paragraphs relating to the first-year Fees Free scheme and conditions no longer necessary for the administration of Fees Free.
Set the Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM) rate at 6 percent.
Added Mathematics as a new delivery classification.
Added a clause to allow overseas learners to be funded if “the learner is studying in a Realm country (namely, Tokelau, the Cook Islands, or Niue) in 2026 and is enrolled in a programme that was funded under this funding mechanism in 2025 or earlier”.

Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF

Updated funding rates.
Updated the cap for the medical undergraduate year 1 intake.
Removed paragraphs relating to the first-year Fees Free scheme and conditions no longer necessary for the administration of Fees Free.
Set the Annual Maximum Fee Movement (AMFM) rate at 6 percent.
Added Mathematics as a new delivery classification.
Added Mathematics as a funding category to implement the targeted cost adjustment to Mathematics provision.
Added a clause to allow overseas learners to be funded if “the learner is studying in a Realm country (namely, Tokelau, the Cook Islands, or Niue) in 2026 and is enrolled in a programme that was funded under this funding mechanism in 2025 or earlier”.

English Language Teaching (ELT)

Updated funding rates.
Added charter schools to the list of eligible TEOs.
Clarified that the purpose of the ELT Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund (ELT ILN) is to increase opportunities for adults, particularly migrants and refugees, to engage in English literacy and numeracy learning.
Clarified the purpose of the ELT Refugee English Fund to better reflect the intent of raising learners’ English literacy and numeracy skills to help them enter employment or undertake their choice of vocational or degree-level education.
Clarified that there aren’t two different groups of learners progressing through the fund by replacing the term “learners” with “them” in the purpose section.
Clarified that programmes funded by ELT ILN must have numeracy outcomes.
Clarified that learners funded by ELT ILN must have low numeracy skills (as well as low English language and/or literacy skills).
Clarified that the hour intensity of ELT ILN is per learner.

Gateway

Replaced the term “TEOs” with “schools” to better reflect the fund’s intent and use.
Clarified that the eligible students in Gateway will achieve, on average, 20 credits towards qualifications in either NCEA or another qualification on the NZQCF.
Expanded the eligibility for programmes funded under Gateway to include standalone micro-credentials. This change will allow learners to access a wider range of programmes and align Gateway with changes to the wider tertiary education system by recognising the value of standalone micro-credentials.

Literacy and Numeracy Provision

Updated funding rates.
Added charter schools to the list of TEOs eligible for Intensive Literacy and Numeracy and Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WLN) funding.
Added a new clause to allow learners, whose disability represents exceptional circumstances that prevent them from being assessed using the Literacy and Numeracy for Adults Assessment Tool, to still be eligible for funding under this fund.
Added a new clause allowing synchronous online delivery where this is in the best interest of the learner/s.
Added “enabling access to education and the TEO’s capability to deliver effectively” as a consideration for online synchronous delivery.
Clarified that TEC approvals for asynchronous delivery are valid for multiple years unless revoked.
Added the ability for the TEC to revoke approval for asynchronous delivery.
Removed the following from disqualifying circumstances for learner eligibility for the WLN Fund:

Enrolled in a programme or micro-credential at Level 4 or above on the NZQCF
Enrolled in a New Zealand Apprenticeship.

Added that the prior written approval of NZQA is necessary to subcontract where the TEO is quality assured by NZQA.

Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT)

Added micro-credentials to the list of provider-based delivery eligible for fee top-ups under this fund.

Youth Guarantee

Updated funding rates.
Added charter schools to the list of eligible TEOs.
Added that providers may be funded to deliver the NCEA literacy and numeracy co-requisite standards under the Youth Guarantee fund.
Added that the delivery of the NCEA literacy and numeracy co-requisites standards is exempt from the 2.5 EFTS limit set on eligible learners; and that the TEC may specify exemptions to this limit.
Added the NCEA literacy and numeracy co-requisite standards to eligible programmes.
Added a new clause allowing synchronous online delivery where this is in the best interest of the learner/s.
Added “enabling access to education and the TEO’s capability to deliver effectively” as a consideration for online synchronous delivery.
Clarified that TEC approvals for asynchronous delivery are valid for multiple years unless revoked.
Added the ability for the TEC to revoke approval for asynchronous delivery.
Replaced references to “organisations” with “tertiary education organisations (TEOs)”.